When did you first realise that COVID-19 was going to have an effect on your music project?
I had been planning a tour to the east coast and had dates mapped out right when COVID happened. It really stopped me in my tracks as I had to pull out of shows that I had been planning for months.
Initially, what was that whole situation like, and how did you overcome/react to it?
Like everyone I was in shock. Over time I tried to use the experience of lockdown to really apply myself to writing and learning, and really just working on what I wanted to say.
How has your creative process changed over the last couple of months?
I think I learned to stand completely on my own two feet. I learned how to produce, mix and master from scratch and this has helped me have ultimate freedom in what I do now and what I want to craft in the future. I learned a lot about my process and what I need and don’t need.
What’s been the hardest part about writing/doing music this way?
I think isolation is so hard on anyone. If you make music and play shows live then the lack of camaraderie is hard to overcome. It starts to feel tough on the nervous system when that is taken away from you, as it is a huge cathartic release.
What bands/artists have you been listening to over the last couple of months?
Recently I’ve found my way to more pop like Phoebe Bridgers, and lots of 70s stuff like the Beatles.
So, what do you think you’ve learnt the most from being an artist through COVID-19?
That were are all connected and that even though art is super important we need to stand together in solidarity more.
What kind of effect do you think that it’s had on the music industry all together, and how excited are you to see it return to normal?
Sadly it has made a huge dent on the indie scene. It is harder than ever to book shows as a lot of the venues closed or the talent buyers moved on/changed jobs, and for indie artists this is really hard: it feels like starting again in some capacity. We are competing with the mainstream acts even if we don’t want to. I hope more indie venues return and this changes but as of right now Live Nation controls everything. This is catastrophic for the indie, underground, and
non-mainstream music scene.
What tips/advice would you like to give to other bands who are also going through this?
We need to move towards becoming a strong community. The community will grow and this will become our superpower. When we connect in a group we can support each other more. It is vital to the local music scenesacross the world. I run a women in music origination called Fierce Femme Sounds and would love to connect with any female artist struggling at this time.
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